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Pilot Car Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Silverstar Car Wash

Car Wash Attendant

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Job Type Full-time, Part-time Description As a Car Wash Attendant on our team, you'll ensure that every vehicle is sparkling clean and ready to shine, all while delivering excellent customer service ...

Silverstar Car Wash

Car Wash Attendant

Moville, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Job Type Full-time Description As a Car Wash Attendant on our team, you'll ensure that every vehicle is sparkling clean and ready to shine, all while delivering excellent customer service in a fun ...

Silverstar Car Wash

Car Wash Attendant

Larchwood, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Job Type Full-time, Part-time Description As a Car Wash Attendant on our team, you'll ensure that every vehicle is sparkling clean and ready to shine, all while delivering excellent customer service ...

Silverstar Car Wash

Car Wash Attendant

Sloan, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Job Type Full-time Description As a Car Wash Attendant on our team, you'll ensure that every vehicle is sparkling clean and ready to shine, all while delivering excellent customer service in a fun ...

Silverstar Car Wash

Car Wash Attendant

Sloan, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Job Type Full-time Description As a Car Wash Attendant on our team, you'll ensure that every vehicle is sparkling clean and ready to shine, all while delivering excellent customer service in a fun ...

Silverstar Car Wash

Car Wash Attendant

Clive, IA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

As a Car Wash Attendant on our team, you'll ensure that every vehicle is sparkling clean and ready to shine, all while delivering excellent customer service in a fun, fast-paced environment. For us ...

Silverstar Car Wash

Car Wash Attendant

Moville, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Job Type Full-time Description As a Car Wash Attendant on our team, you'll ensure that every vehicle is sparkling clean and ready to shine, all while delivering excellent customer service in a fun ...

Silverstar Car Wash

Car Wash Attendant

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$15/hr

As a Car Wash Attendant on our team, you'll ensure that every vehicle is sparkling clean and ready to shine, all while delivering excellent customer service in a fun, fast-paced environment. For us ...

Silverstar Car Wash

Car Wash Attendant

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Job Type Full-time Description As a Car Wash Attendant on our team, you'll ensure that every vehicle is sparkling clean and ready to shine, all while delivering excellent customer service in a fun ...

Silverstar Car Wash

Car Wash Attendant

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

As a Car Wash Attendant on our team, you'll ensure that every vehicle is sparkling clean and ready to shine, all while delivering excellent customer service in a fun, fast-paced environment. For us ...

Silverstar Car Wash

Car Wash Attendant

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Job Type Full-time Description As a Car Wash Attendant on our team, you'll ensure that every vehicle is sparkling clean and ready to shine, all while delivering excellent customer service in a fun ...

Silverstar Car Wash

Car Wash Attendant

Sloan, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Job Type Full-time, Part-time Description As a Car Wash Attendant on our team, you'll ensure that every vehicle is sparkling clean and ready to shine, all while delivering excellent customer service ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPilot Car JobsPilot Car Jobs in Iowa

Pilot Car information

See Iowa salary details

$46.5K

$123K

$188.8K

How much do pilot car jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot car in Iowa is $122,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,900.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pilot car driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot Car driver, you need a valid driver's license, knowledge of traffic laws, and familiarity with oversized load transportation requirements. Experience with CB radios, GPS navigation, and route planning software is typically important, and some states require certification or special permits. Strong attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These qualifications ensure the safe and efficient escort of oversized loads, protecting both the load and the public on the road.

Are pilot car drivers in demand?

Pilot car drivers are in steady demand in industries such as construction and transportation that require escorting oversize loads. Employment opportunities depend on regional infrastructure projects and regulations, and drivers often need specific certifications and experience to work in this role.

What is the difference between Pilot Car vs Escort Vehicle?

AspectPilot CarEscort Vehicle
CertificationsRequired in many states, includes safety and licensingSimilar certifications, often overlapping with pilot car requirements
Work EnvironmentOn-road, often rural or highway settingsOn-road, highway, and sometimes urban areas
Industry UsageTransporting oversize/overweight loads, constructionTransporting oversize/overweight loads, construction, logistics

Both Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle roles involve guiding oversized loads, requiring similar certifications and working environments. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Pilot Car' is more common in certain regions, while 'Escort Vehicle' may be used in others. Understanding these similarities helps clarify job expectations and requirements in the transportation industry.

What is a pilot car?

In the construction or moving industries, a pilot car escorts oversized trucks or heavy-load trailers through traffic. Pilot cars, also known as escort vehicles, typically have brightly colored signage that indicates to traffic that they are approaching trailers carrying large loads. Pilot car drivers also communicate with the trailer drivers, informing them about obstacles, accidents, changes in traffic or speed, or other conditions on the road. In the airline industry, a pilot car is sometimes used to direct aircraft to and from the tarmac.

What does a pilot car do?

Pilot cars, also known as escort vehicles, are specially designated vehicles that accompany oversized or overweight loads on roadways to ensure safe transport. Their primary role is to warn other motorists of the approaching load, help navigate challenging road conditions, and communicate with the truck driver to prevent accidents or traffic disruptions. Pilot car drivers are trained to identify hazards, assist with routing, and comply with state or provincial regulations regarding the movement of large loads.

What are some common challenges faced by pilot car drivers when escorting oversize loads, and how can they be managed?

Pilot car drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating tight or congested roads, sudden weather changes, and coordinating with both the truck driver and law enforcement. Effective communication, thorough route planning, and staying updated on road conditions are crucial for managing these challenges. Building strong teamwork with the transport crew and remaining adaptable during unexpected events ensures safe and efficient transport of oversize loads.

How to get a job as a pilot car driver?

To become a pilot car driver, you typically need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL) depending on the vehicle and load. Experience in driving large vehicles and knowledge of safety protocols are important, and some employers require completion of safety training or certification programs. Gaining experience in transportation or logistics can improve job prospects in this field.

How much do you make being a pilot car?

Pilot car drivers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the routes. Many drivers work part-time or on a contract basis, and having a commercial driver's license (CDL) can improve earning potential.
More about Pilot Car jobs
What are popular job titles related to Pilot Car jobs in Iowa? For Pilot Car jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pilot Car jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Pilot Car jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Pilot Car jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Pilot Car job openings:
Pilot Car jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Car job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 84% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $122,965 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Pilot Car Driver

Argee Transport Company

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description

The Job


The Pilot Car Pickup Operator is responsible for safely escorting oversized and overweight loads across public roadways and job sites. This role plays a critical part in route planning, hazard identification, and maintaining consistent communication with CDL drivers to ensure loads are transported safely and in full compliance with all federal, state, and company regulations.

This is an over-the-road (OTR) position requiring extended travel, typically ranging from 5 days up to 3 weeks at a time, depending on project assignments. You'll often leave on a Monday and may not return home for 1-3 weeks depending on customer schedules. You'll spend nights in hotels, eat many meals on the road, and travel across multiple states.


What You'll Do

  • Plan and inspect routes ahead of transport to ensure safe passage for oversized loads, making adjustments as needed to comply with state permits and road conditions.
  • Safely operate a pilot pickup vehicle to escort heavy haul trucks on highways and construction sites while maintaining strict compliance with DOT, OSHA, and company safety standards.
  • Maintain clear, constant communication with CDL drivers regarding traffic patterns, hazards, low clearances, construction zones, and changing road or weather conditions.
  • Assist drivers in verifying and securing loads prior to transport to ensure compliance with load safety requirements.
  • Complete and submit required paperwork including delivery documentation, route reports, and daily logs while maintaining a clean and properly functioning escort vehicle.
  • Obtain and maintain required state escort certifications, participate in defensive driving and safety training, and represent Argee Transport professionally at all times.

What We're Looking For

  • Valid driver's license and ability to obtain required state escort certifications (CDL not required).
  • Working knowledge of DOT regulations, OSHA standards, and multi-state escort requirements.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate clearly and professionally with CDL drivers, customers, and operations staff.
  • High level of situational awareness, sound judgment, and commitment to safety in changing road and weather conditions.
  • Ability to read permits and follow detailed written and verbal instructions accurately.
  • Willingness and flexibility to travel extensively (1-3 weeks at a time), including weekends as required.

Requirements

Why Argee Transport

  • Highly competitive base pay
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance programs
  • Group retirement savings program
  • Health and wellness initiatives
  • Accrual-based PTO starting on your first day
  • Paid holidays
  • $30 per diem away from home
  • Lodging/Gas paid for by company
  • Quarterly safety bonus, earned not given

We value people who take pride in their work and understand the responsibility that comes with escorting oversized loads across the country.


Additional Requirements

  • Valid driver's license required (CDL not required).
  • Willingness to travel extensively, typically 1-3 weeks at a time, including weekends as needed.
  • Must pass post-offer employment drug screen, background check, physical, and motor vehicle record (MVR) review.
  • Must obtain and maintain required state escort certifications.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and road conditions.

Additional Requirements: All offers are contingent upon successful completion of post-offer drug testing, company physicals, background check, and motor vehicle record verification.


Equal Employment Opportunity: The Rasmussen Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences.

Apply